Losartan Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Vitro

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with substantial mortality and high morbidity. This study tested the effect of angiotensin II type I receptor blocker, losartan, on replication inhibition papain-like protease virus. Methods: The dose-dependent inhibitory in concentrations from 1μM to 100μM as determined by quantitative cell analysis combining fluorescence microscopy, image processing, cellular measurements (Cellomics analysis) was investigated Vero E6 cells. impact losartan deubiquitination deISGylation (PLpro) were also evaluated. Results: Losartan reduced PLpro cleavage tetraUbiquitin diUbiquitin. It less effective inhibiting PLpro’s ISG15-AMC than Ubiquitin-AMC. To determine if inhibited replication, treatment infected examined. one hour prior levels nuclear protein, an indicator virus 80% one-hour post-infection decreased viral 70%. Conclusion: not inhibitor deubiquitinase or deISGylase activity but affected cells vitro. As has a favorable safety profile currently available it features necessary for efficacious drug repurposing COVID-19.